GPS/Globalstar RECON Collars

Telonics RECON models collect GPS positions and transfer the data to the user through the Globalstar satellite system.

RECON models are designed to offer a lower cost alternative to other satellite-linked GPS systems. Lower costs extend to service fees, which are typically ~$5/month per unit.

Performance features include a hermetically-sealed metal housing enclosing the electronics and power supply, and a dorsally mounted Globalstar antenna for better satellite connectivity as compared to units with side-mounted Globalstar antennas.

Programming flexibility allows:

Attempt a GPS position every 1 - 48 hours

Globalstar transmissions daily, every other day, or following every 1 - 47 GPS fixes (~6 GPS locations fit in each Globalstar transmission)

VHF selectable in 30 minute increments up to 24 hours per day, with selectable operation on each day of the week (Monday - Sunday)

Mortality detection and positioning with immediate notification directly to your mobile phone available using the Globalstar uplink.

Models

Model

Housing DimensionsL x W x H (in, cm)

Housing Weight (g)

Estimated Weight with Collar (g)

RECON-4260-4

1.8 x 1.4 x 1.14.5 x 3.5 x 2.7

~93

~135+

RECON-4460-4

2.3 x 1.4 x 1.15.9 x 3.6 x 2.7

~125

165 - 350

RECON-4560-4

2.8 x 2.0 x 1.57.1 x 5.1 x 3.8

~250

366 - 700

RECON-4660-4

3.0 x 2.7 x 1.97.6 x 6.9 x 4.8

~450

800 - 1000

Examples of Operational Life

Operational life estimates are calculated using Telonics Product Programmer (TPP), and are provided as examples only, with many other options possible. The estimates provided assume all GPS data is transmitted; battery life can be extended if some of the locations are exclusively stored on board and not transmitted.

Operational life estimates assume temperatures of 0°C, VHF pulse period of 1500 msec (40 beats per minute), and average time to GPS fix as 75 seconds.

Key Features

Features relative to the Globalstar system

The Globalstar satellite network consists of 48 satellites in low-earth orbit. Overpasses provide continuous coverage over most terrestrial areas of the world, but the system is not worldwide because of its reliance on ground stations. Data received by the satellite is relayed to a ground station in real time and are available to the user within minutes. The coverage map for the Globalstar simplex system as used on wildlife is indicated by the map below. Areas in orange are primary coverage areas and those in grey crosshatch are areas of fringe coverage.

The Globalstar simplex system provides a one-way link from the unit on the animal to the satellite, and then on to the researcher. The unit does not "know" when a transmission was successfully received, so as a default Telonics units transmit each data packet three times within about 20 minutes. This is considered a single Globalstar transmission, and it results in near 100% transmission success when the unit has a clear view of the sky. If units will be deployed in areas where the view of the sky may frequently be blocked by topography or dense vegetation, it is advisable to either provide additional data redundancy in transmissions and/or recognize that not all data will get through. When specific transmission times are defined, user’s should select a transmission time when they think the animal/transmitter is most likely to be in an area with good access to satellites (e.g. not when it would predictably be in a den or an area with dense cover).

GPS-Globalstar models support two different message formats: a short message that holds only one GPS fix or a longer message that holds ~6 GPS fixes. The longer message format is used in most applications; however, the shorter message can provide somewhat better transmission success from under vegetative cover (a GPS/Iridium option should also be considered in areas where transmissions may predictably have reduced success rates).

Transmissions can contain a mortality flag (which relates to whether there has been movement detected by an accelerometer within a user-defined period) and a low-voltage flag (which indicates the battery may die soon). You can receive real-time notification of mortality events via email at no additional charge.

Telonics GPS Globalstar units are FCC and IC certified and available for use throughout the United States and Canada with no additional licensing required for the data transfer component.

Data is normally retrieved through a third-party, AssetLink Global, which offers the least expensive data retrieval option for users. Globalstar data retrieval rates are lower than other satellite-based systems (~$5.00/unit/month with one daily transmission).

Other Key Features

In addition to the GPS and Globalstar portions of these units, they typically include a VHF transmitter. The VHF transmitters can be used to locate or monitor the collars from the ground or aircraft, including aiding in recovery of a collar at the end of a study.

RECON models are fully-hermetically sealed for maximum reliability, with the transmitter, battery, and interconnects sealed into a single metal housing. This is the same technology used by NASA for maintaining high performance electronics in harsh environments. With hermetic packaging, there is no problem with moisture penetration even after years of deployment, except in cases of severe physical damage to the canister. No polymeric packaging offers this level of reliability.

Users can program or reprogram RECON units through use of Telonics Product Programmer (TPP). TPP uses a graphical user interface, and makes it possible for users to program their own systems and simulate performance of the system prior to deployment.

GPS collection schedules, Globalstar transmission schedules, and VHF schedules can all be user-defined.

Data retrieved through the Globalstar system, or downloaded from a collar in hand, are processed using Telonics Data Converter (TDC). TDC is used to convert raw data from Telonics transmitters into data reports and to display locations on Google Earth and Google Maps. You can review TDC reports in Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet programs.

The most recently received location and status of each of your GPS-Globalstar transmitters can also be obtained on smart phones or other devices without TDC loaded, via Telonics-provided username and password access through the following link: Check Your Telonics Globalstar Trapsite Transmitter Status

All positions determined are stored-on-board the collar, thus if the collar is able to be recovered, stored positions can supplement what was transmitted through Globalstar.

In collar-mounted wildlife configurations the Globalstar antenna is mounted on the dorsal surface of the neck. The antenna is installed in a high impact nonconductive plastic housing. The form of the housing presents sloping sides so that it will be impervious to chewing and gnawing as is possible. A highly armored antenna cable connects the antenna to the instrument package.

VHF Transmitter Component Specifications

OPERATION INTERLOCK: All elements of the VHF transmitter component are forced off whenever the Globalstar transmitter module is on. This interlock device forcibly prevents simultaneous operation of the two transmitters, thus they are not considered to be co-located under FCC regulations.

Notice to United States Users

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesirable operation.

The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Telonics could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This device contains FCC ID: UQR-CMDCSTM3

To satisfy FCC RF Exposure requirements for mobile and base station transmission devices, a separation distance of 20cm or more should be maintained between the antenna of this device and persons during operation. To ensure compliance, operation at closer than this distance is not recommended.

Notice to Canadian Users

Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using the antenna integrated into the device.

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

This device contains IC ID: 8863A-CMDCSTM3

Manual

Related Products

A release mechanism is often desirable on collars because it means collars can be recovered without having to recapture an animal and/or that an animal does not need to wear the collar for the remainder of its life. Telonics currently offers several microprocessor-controlled programmable release mechanisms that provide reliable release at a precise time. The CR-5 version can be installed onto any Telonics wildlife tracking collar with a collar width of 2 inches or greater, and the CR-7 version fits on 1.5 inch wide Telonics collars.

Telonics Data Converter (TDC) is used to convert raw data from Telonics transmitters into data reports and to display locations on Google Earth and Google Maps. You can review TDC reports in Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet programs.

Telonics Product Programmer (TPP) is a powerful software tool used to program Telonics transmitters, and Telonics CR-5 and CR-7 collar release mechanisms. TPP gives you the ability to modify aspects of your Telonics GEN4 GPS and VHF transmitters including data collection and transmission intervals. TPP is designed for ease of use, with simple point-and-click navigation through the program.

The TSC-9A is a multi-use interface cable terminated with a USB A connector and a male BNC (bayonet style) connector. The cable is used to connect various Telonics products to a computer when using Telonics Product Programmer (TPP), Telonics Data Converter (TDC), or the CR-2a BCP-2 programming software. The BNC connector allows quick and easy attachment of various adapters.

Adapter, female BNC to alligator clips for use with the TSC-9A cable. This adapter is used for systems where programming/download connections are made using the antenna tip or saltwater switch buttons.

Photo Gallery

Lithium Battery Shipping Regulations

Telonics Inc. ships all systems containing lithium batteries in accordance with the US Department of Transportation rules for hazardous materials set forth in 49CFR and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Service Commitment

Since 1970, Telonics has built a reputation based on product quality, product support, service, and customer satisfaction. Telonics strives to produce the highest quality products, and to support those products accordingly.

Because of extreme conditions and the unpredictable nature associated with most telemetry applications, problems occasionally arise. Most problems can be resolved quickly. In all cases, we hope to be able to work in partnership with users to resolve problems to the user's satisfaction and to uphold our demonstrated commitment to excellence. If problems should arise, all products must be returned to our factory for failure analysis.

Warranty: GEN 4 GPS Systems - Show

Telonics warrants its GPS products to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date acquired. Telonics does not warrant batteries.

Telonics designs and manufactures systems for a variety of applications using several satellite systems (GPS, Argos, Iridium, and Globalstar). At the time of manufacturing, Telonics equipment is tested to verify compatibility with the applicable satellite system(s). Telonics does not warranty equipment against changes in satellite system specifications or satellite operation after the date your equipment was manufactured. Unforeseeable or unplanned system changes would include, but are not limited to, elevated ambient noise levels in the radio frequency bands used for satellite communications, elimination of service in a region of the world, data outages due to technical problems within the satellite system network, or reductions in data transfer capability due to alterations in the constellation as a result of premature space vehicle failures or failure to replace space vehicles in a timely manner.

If a defect occurs, return the equipment to us within the proper time frame at the following address: TELONICS, 932 E. IMPALA AVENUE, MESA AZ USA 85204-6699. The customer shall arrange for and pay all shipping, insurance and related charges incurred in the shipment to and from Telonics under this warranty. Damage to any equipment resulting from misuse, accidents, unauthorized service, extreme conditions, or other causes, is excluded from this warranty. Telonics does not assume responsibility for loss or damage to equipment during shipment. Telonics does not assume responsibility for delays resulting from shipment on commercial or private carriers. We insure all equipment shipped from our facility and suggest that shipments to Telonics also be insured.

Upon the timely return to our facility, if defective, the product will be replaced or repaired at our discretion at no cost to the customer. This remedy is the exclusive remedy. This product is supplied without any further warranties or conditions, expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability, quality or fitness for particular reason or those arising by laws, statutes or trade usage or course of dealing.
The entire risk, as to the results and performance of the product, is assumed by the customer. Neither Telonics, nor its suppliers, shall have any liability to the customer or any other person or entity for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damage whatsoever, regardless whether Telonics has been told of the possibility of such damages or that such damages might be foreseeable. Telonics has no responsibility or liability for the claims of any third party. The maximum aggregate to the customer, of Telonics and its suppliers, shall not exceed the amount paid by the customer for the product.